OB/GYN residents' training, attitudes, and comfort level regarding genetics.

PURPOSE: While the availability, utility, and complexity of genetic testing expands, limited information exists regarding obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) residents' knowledge of genetics and confidence in providing genetic services. This study examined OB/GYN residents' educational and clinical experiences with genetics during residency, personal attitudes regarding the value of genetics and its role in their practice, level of comfort with genetic counseling, and potential motivators for learning about genetics. METHODS: Eligible participants included residents currently enrolled in a CREOG-associated OB/GYN training program in the USA or Canada. A link to an anonymous 49-question RedCap survey was emailed to program coordinators in October 2017 to be forwarded to all OB/GYN residents. RESULTS: Eighty-two OB/GYN residents representing all postgraduate years of training completed the survey. Residents indicated learning about genetics through discussions with attending physicians, lectures/courses, and publications. While residents felt their attendings valued (81%) and were knowledgeable about (85%) genetics, 28% felt their attendings did not reinforce concepts that were learned in coursework. Residents valued staying informed about the field of genetics and felt providing genetic services was within their scope of practice; however, there were deficiencies in self-reported comfort level, particularly regarding hereditary cancer counseling. Residents cited accessibility of information as a top motivator to stay informed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant, accessible didactic information about genetics reinforced in the clinical setting may increase residents' level of comfort with providing genetic services.

Using computer decision support to increase maternal postpartum tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether use of a computer-based clinical decision-support algorithm that used data stored in the electronic medical record increased administration of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to postpartum women. METHODS: We performed a before and after cohort study of postpartum women at an urban public teaching hospital. We compared the frequency of Tdap vaccination during the preintervention (October 1, 2008-January 14, 2009) and postintervention (January 15-April 30, 2009) time periods. We intervened by automating electronic presentation of preselected orders to physicians who provided postpartum care. The order was displayed when physicians ordered iron supplementation or patient discharge to a woman who met certain criteria. We evaluated whether patient characteristics were associated with receipt of vaccine. RESULTS: Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination was more likely for postpartum women postintervention compared with preintervention (147 of 248 [59%] compared with zero of 183 [0%]; difference=59%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 53-65%). Among 248 women who delivered during the postintervention period, those who met pharmacologic criteria for decision support rule activation were vaccinated more often than those who did not meet criteria (146 of 232 [63%] compared with one of 16 [6%]; difference=57%; 95% CI 43-70%). Race and ethnicity and cesarean delivery were not associated with vaccine receipt; however, there was a lower likelihood of vaccination among older women (P=.05 by a trend test across age quartiles). CONCLUSION: We implemented a computer-based clinical decision-support algorithm that dramatically increased Tdap vaccination of postpartum women. Deployment of our algorithm in hospitals that have clinical decision support systems should increase rates of this important postpartum preventive intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Hormonal contraceptive methodology: an historical review.

The introduction of the first hormonal contraceptive was one of the most important events of the twentieth century for women. The availability of oral contraceptives (OCs) provided women with greater control over their reproductive lives. As OC usage steadily increased, so did concern over health risks associated with their use. Concluding that adverse events were dose-related, scientists sought to develop lower-dose formulations. In the four decades since the first OC, women seeking contraception have benefited from the development of non-oral hormonal delivery systems, including injectables, intrauterine devices, implants, a vaginal ring, and a contraceptive patch. It is hoped that this expanding menu of choices affords women opportunities to find methods better suited to their individual needs. Clinicians should continually evaluate their patients' hormonal contraceptive needs, and provide adequate counseling so that every woman is afforded the opportunity to achieve contraceptive success.

Progress in contraception: new technology.

Unintended pregnancy continues to be a major public health issue in this country. Approximately 50% of pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and, of these, half end in abortion. Although tubal sterilization is highly effective, many women subsequently express regret and remorse. Oral contraceptives represent an effective, reversible method. However, many women have difficulty using them consistently and correctly. Recently, four new delivery systems for hormonal contraception have become available in the United States: the monthly injection, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system, the combination hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring, and the transdermal contraceptive patch. All four new methods are effective, readily reversible, generally discreet, and reduce daily compliance challenges. The monthly injection, vaginal ring, and transdermal patch can be discontinued without the need for an office visit. This expanded menu of effective contraceptive options should help women find a method that suits their particular life style.